Abstract

A modified appropriate 'sustainable turnkey approach' (STA) was developed, trialled and used to introduce new cottage papermaking technology to an existing papermaking village in a remote highland part of Fiji, an example of a less developed country. The new research explored making a high technology piece of equipment in Suva, the nearest city to the Wainimakutu Village. The STA has empowered a local engineering business and the engineering department of the local university to be able to understand and transfer the 'hardware' (equipment) and 'software' (skills) of these technologies and actually make the machines. The principle Author helped them to adapt and improve the design, to trial it, to test it, and then network with a village to complete the ideals of using the 'best available technology' that is also sustainable, eco-friendly, appropriate and financially viable. The ST A has proved a far superior process. When something goes wrong with the machine it can be adjusted, fixed or modified to work: first in the village; second, with local industry help; third with local university help; and fourth with contacting the inventor for advice and networking with all stakeholders.